Fenerbahçe eye large swap for Trabzonspor’s Onuachu, with Lewandowski a potential target

Fenerbahçe has identified Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu as its top transfer target ahead of a potentially busy summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

After failing for the fourth consecutive year to win the Süper Lig title from bitter rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe has decided to reshuffle its attack.

Free‑scoring Onuachu, who is expected to finish as the Turkish league’s top goalscorer this season, has become a key component of the club’s rebuild.

According to Haberler, the Turkish giants have intensified their pursuit of the former Southampton striker. The reports say Fenerbahçe has put forward one of the largest offers of the summer for Onuachu.

The Yellow Canaries are said to have opened formal talks with rivals Trabzonspor over a deal that could include midfielder İsmail Yüksek, winger Oğuz Aydın and an additional €10 million in cash. This demonstrates how highly Fenerbahçe rates Onuachu, who is valued at €6 million by Transfermarkt, ahead of next season’s title race.

Trabzonspor paid around €5.67 million to sign the striker from Southampton last summer after a successful loan spell, giving him a 3+1 year contract. Less than a year later, the club could more than double that investment if they accept Fenerbahçe’s latest proposal.

Onuachu’s value has risen because of his outstanding form. The 2.01 m striker has dominated defenders throughout the campaign with his aerial dominance, hold‑up play and ruthless finishing inside the penalty area. He has scored 22 league goals and is a leading contender for the Süper Lig Golden Boot.

This form has convinced Fenerbahçe that the 31‑year‑old could become the missing piece in their attack.

Fenerbahçe have often controlled possession in big matches this season but struggled to convert pressure into goals. Onuachu offers a completely different dimension. His ability to win long balls, occupy centre‑backs and bring midfield runners into play makes him an ideal target man for the club.

Why Trabzonspor could consider the Fenerbahçe deal

Although tensions between the two clubs have historically been fierce, reports suggest Trabzonspor’s hierarchy is seriously considering the proposal because of its overall value.

Trabzonspor would gain more than just a transfer fee from the deal. It could refresh multiple areas of the squad while still delivering a major financial profit on a player they signed less than 12 months ago.

İsmail Yüksek would immediately strengthen the Trabzonspor midfield with his energy, tackling and experience for the Turkish national team, while Oğuz Aydın remains a highly‑rated attacking player despite limited minutes in Istanbul this season.

There are, however, complications. Saudi Pro League clubs are also monitoring Onuachu closely and are believed to be ready to offer wages far beyond what Turkish sides can afford. The striker has also previously spoken warmly about his connection with Trabzonspor supporters, making any move to a direct domestic rival a sensitive issue.

Fenerbahçe are therefore preparing alternatives in case negotiations collapse. One of the names under discussion is Robert Lewandowski, whose future at Barcelona remains uncertain as his contract approaches its final stages.

The Polish striker would offer elite experience and global star power, but the financial demands of such a move could be enormous. At nearly 38, Lewandowski would represent a far shorter‑term solution compared to Onuachu.

That is why the Nigerian remains Fenerbahçe’s priority target.

The club believes his proven Süper Lig experience, physical profile and consistency in front of goal could make the difference in next season’s battle for the Turkish title.